Howard will rejoin the team for Sunday’s game with the Detroit Pistons, a person familiar with the situation told the newspaper.

Dwight Howard is expected to play Sunday against the Pistons. (AP Photo)

Howard missed Friday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves so he could return to Los Angeles for a non-invasive platelet-rich plasama (PRP) treatment in his right shoulder, according to the Times.

Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns, Howard aggravated a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

“I think he’s on a plane [to Detroit] in 10 minutes,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said after the Lakers finished an afternoon practice Saturday.

Howard has missed four games and left two others early due to his shoulder woes this season.

In addition to the nagging injury, this season has been a statistical struggle for Howard. The 27-year-old is averaging his lowest points per game total (16.5) since the 2005-06 season and his lowest rebounds per game (11.9) since the 2006-07 season.

The Lakers are 1-1 on their pivotal seven-game road trip that ends next Sunday in Miami.